Two Missouri men, initially charged in the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans, may now face upgraded charges of second-degree murder. This development follows the discovery of the bodies of Clayton McGeeney, 36, Ricky Johnson, 38, and David Harrington, 37, outside a Kansas City home in January 2024. The men had succumbed to fentanyl and cocaine toxicity, as determined by Forensic Medical of Kansas.
The bodies were found outside Jordan Willis’ home in Platte County, north of Kansas City, two days after the men watched the Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers. Willis and Ivory J. Carson were initially charged with delivery of a controlled substance and involuntary manslaughter. However, prosecutors are now seeking to upgrade these charges to second-degree murder, according to an amended complaint.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
The potential upgrade to second-degree murder charges carries significant implications, as each charge is a class A felony with a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison or life imprisonment. The decision now rests with a judge, who can approve or deny the request. Both Willis and Carson have pleaded not guilty to the initial charges.
John Picerno, Willis’ attorney, expressed disappointment over the upgraded charges.
“While not unexpected, we are greatly disappointed in the upgraded charges. Jordan has maintained his innocence since day one and he declined the Government’s plea offer,” Picerno stated. “Missouri’s Felony Murder Statute is overly broad, often misused, and excessive. It should never be used in this manner.”
Meanwhile, an attorney for Carson has not yet commented on the matter. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 24, where further proceedings will be determined.
Evidence and Investigation
The investigation into the deaths has revealed crucial evidence. Detectives found two plastic bags containing white powdery substances at Willis’ home. Tests confirmed that one bag contained cocaine, with Willis’ DNA as the major contributor, while the other contained fentanyl, with Carson’s DNA as the primary contributor.
A witness reported seeing a large plate of cocaine at Harrington’s home on the night of the football game, allegedly supplied by Willis. Another witness described a night of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use at Willis’ home, according to the probable cause statement.
Despite these findings, Picerno argues that there is no evidence Willis purchased the drugs his friends ingested. He emphasized that the group had been partying all day, a detail corroborated by the Associated Press.
The Night of the Game and Aftermath
The events unfolded on January 7, 2024, the day of the Kansas City Chiefs’ last regular-season game. McGeeney’s fiancée reported that the three men went to Willis’ home but never returned. Concerned, she visited the house two days later and discovered at least one body on the back patio, prompting her to call the police.
Police confirmed the presence of three bodies but found no obvious signs of foul play. The weather on January 7 was cold, with temperatures dropping to freezing, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Implications and Next Steps
The potential upgrade of charges in this case highlights ongoing debates about Missouri’s Felony Murder Statute and its application. Legal experts and advocates argue over its breadth and potential for misuse. The upcoming preliminary hearing will be crucial in determining the path forward for Willis and Carson.
As the legal process unfolds, the case remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of illicit drug use and the legal complexities surrounding such tragic events. The community and the families involved await the court’s decision with bated breath, hoping for justice and closure.
